Velma Jeanne Lang
(nee Vanderwater)
Velma Jeanne Lang (Vanderwater)
May 3, 1946 – July 4, 2026
It is with great sadness, but with gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Velma Jeanne Lang (née Vanderwater), who died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family and friends on July 4, 2026, at the age of 80.
Born in Leamington Spa, England, Velma began her life with a remarkable journey,
crossing the Atlantic aboard the Queen Mary, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax.
She was raised in Wellington, Ontario, where she grew up among a close community that included several other war babies.
A lifelong learner, Velma earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Toronto in 1968.
She began her teaching career at Westlane High School in Niagara Falls, where she met the love of her life, William.
They were married in 1970 and moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where they lovingly restored the historic Railroad School and made it their home.
After raising her family and continuing to follow her love of teaching, she returned to her studies, earning her Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language in 1992, followed by her Master of Education in 1998. Velma dedicated herself to helping newcomers to the Niagara region find their voice, confidence, and sense of belonging. Through her work in English language education, including with the YMCA of Niagara, she served as a LINC/ESL teacher, program coordinator, language assessor, and CLARS Coordinator.
She also served as Affiliate representative and President of TESL Niagara.
In 2014, Velma was honoured by TESL Ontario with the Distinguished Contribution Award, recognizing her significant long-term
achievements and contributions to English language educators, the ESL field, and the many newcomers whose lives were enriched by her work.
Her love of teaching also took her overseas, where she taught English in China and Thailand with Bill.
Above all, Velma’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.
She will be deeply missed by her devoted husband, William, beloved children Jason, Cameron, and Jennifer, her daughter-in-law Elizabeth,
and grandson Nathan. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers Doug (Helen), Dave (Betty), Jon (Jackie), Peter (Cindy), and her
sister Margaret (Tony) whom she was blessed to discover later in life. She is also survived by sister-in-law Donna Jean Lang, brother-in-law
Wilson Lang (Claudia), and her many nieces and nephews.
Velma was predeceased by her parents Vernon and Joyce (Tudor) Vanderwater, whose courage and choices helped create the Canadian life and family she cherished, her parents-in-law Judge Harold and Marion Lang, sister-in-law Shirley Page (Doug), brother-in-law Ronald Lang (Birthe), brother-in-law Stephen Janes, and nephew Richard Janes.
Velma lived with curiosity, compassion, and generosity. She found happiness in the pages of a good book and the countless
close friendships formed through her book groups. She was an active member of Grace United Church, where she shared her time,
service, and faith by teaching Sunday School, and supporting refugee families. She also gave back through her volunteer work with the
Canadian Cancer Society and supported causes that reflected her desire to help others.
Velma will be remembered for her warmth, selflessness, and genuine interest in the lives of others.
Whether welcoming people into her home or cottage, sharing stories over a cup of tea or glass of wine, discussing a favourite book,
or spending time with family and friends, she had a gift for making people feel valued, supported, and heard. She loved learning,
conversation, and connection, and carried with her a quiet determination to leave the world a better place.
A service celebrating Velma’s life was held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
at Grace United Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake followed by a reception at the family home.
Cremation has taken place with interment in Wellington on Wednesday August 5, 2026 at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Velma’s memory to CNIB Guide Dogs, The Seeing Eye,
or organizations supporting education for women and girls in underprivileged countries.
In honour of Velma’s generous spirit, the family also encourages the gift of organ donation.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, learning, resilience, and love —
one that will continue through the many lives she touched.
